Filed under F1 Debrief

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On this show we discuss robot drivers, genius suggestions, and get replaced by a better podcaster. Two of our favourite people have been talking about similar topics to do with F1, so we thought we'd get in on the act. Following on from a fabulous guest spot by Giggles, we discuss what F1 is missing at the moment and how we can get it back.

F1 Debrief makes a welcome and musical return to talk about all things lyrical. This week we're discussing the curious case of the missing McLarens, the prancing horse with no name and why some drivers are just phoning it in.

After just one show, the feedback came flooding in, so here we are with a collection of emails, tweets and voicemails to discuss the change to the qualifying format as well as Red Bull's paint job, Kimi Räikkönen's answer to everything and taking the first step on the journey to better head protection.

Sidepodcast returns for a new year of podcasting, starting with a discussion on the big news this week - the potential changes to qualifying. Whilst the exact details are still unknown, we delve into the topic with relish, pondering how on the face of it the changes seem minimal but as you dig deeper, you find many people who will be affected by these session structure tweaks.

Sidepodcast's 2015 break takes a break of its own as we hustle a quick podcast out the door regarding the FIA's recent statement of a potential refuelling return. As big fans of refuelling before it departed, we now discuss our mixed reactions to the possibility of a return and ponder just what the governing body are thinking with their latest batch of changes to the sport.

2014 was a year of new beginnings, with new engines, new champions, new drivers and new challenges. Formula One was reinvented to give the sport purpose, to keep it relevant to the changing world. We ended up with distasteful looking cars, but they certainly delivered out on track. The revamped regulations and the modern machinery provided drivers and teams with a huge challenge to surmount, and it was intensely entertaining to watch it all unfold.

Our final show of 2014 bids farewell to the year and looks ahead to the future of Formula One. On this show, we discuss the ultimate F1 gathering, a questionable Lotus entry and the race that surprised everyone. We pore over the 2015 calendar, and take a quick look at the entry list - figuring out what it might mean for everyone included. We ponder the penalty changes, those that are more lenient than before, and those that have become more harsh, and also take a look at the revised (again) safety car regulations.

It's hard to believe that Ferrari have been through three team principals this year, but at the start of the season they had Stefano Domenicali in place, with Luca di Montezemolo overseeing him. We roll quickly through the season to see how those two lost their jobs, and then fast-forward to today, recapping the driver changes (both race and test), plus the big engineering reshuffle as well.

A bumper show rounds up our review of the 2014 season, with a very useful hat of randomness. All the highlight and lowlight topics of the season were placed into the hat, and then we drew them out one by one to discuss how Formula One fared this year. Subjects up for discussion include Grosjean's Singapore meltdown, a clear case of home advantage and how early Vettel started to struggle.

This episode of F1 Debrief wraps up all the recent (and not so recent) Sidepodcast feedback, covering a wide variety of topics. We start with a look back at the McLaren show and what an epic response we had from Pat. Discussion moves on to safety concerns in the pit lane, and just how far the FIA should get involved - with regards to penalties and more robust measures.

To review the driver of the season ratings, we're joined by Adam, author of the Class of the Field column here on Sidepodcast. We discuss the best driver of the season, who has a chance at another title, and just exactly what is going on at Force India. Adam gives us his thoughts on the season as a whole, what the results would have been if Formula One was a single spec series, whether Ferrari or McLaren will see another champion any time soon, and picks out just one highlight from the very long 2014 season.

McLaren broke their silence to reveal their driver line-up for 2015, so we thought we'd do the same and discuss their situation as it stands. With Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button taking centre stage, we ponder how their relationship will fare with the stresses and strains that the season will no doubt bring. We also evaluate the test driver roles at Woking, and who has the best job - Stoffel or Kevin.

With another feedback round up on the cards, it's time to discuss why Anthony Davidson should make a comeback, who is enjoying too much champagne, and talking less... and more. We start with some feedback after our last show, with listener thoughts on Mercedes, on Caterham, and on our opinions on both. We also review where Bernie's next destination of choice might be for the ever-expanding race calendar.

F1 Debrief returns after the summer break for a quick recap of, yes, you guessed it, the fun and games at Mercedes. After viewing the action during the Belgian Grand Prix, there's plenty to discuss including media transcripts and video responses, plus who is under fire at the top of the Mercedes management tree.

It's time for another round up of the amazing feedback we get from readers and listeners, with voicemails, emails and messages galore. On this show we discuss technological focus, cost caps and taxes, plus Franck!

Catching up with some of the things we've missed in our all too lengthy absence, this Debrief episode takes a look at what really happened in Monaco. On this show, we discuss Formula One's epic soap opera, who's ahead on power units and the latest in sporting injuries.

We asked for lots of feedback and got such a great response that we've squeezed in another feedback show just before the Bahrain Grand Prix gets underway. On this show, we discuss the teammate situation at Mercedes, who Magnussen most resembles, and a very good conspiracy theory.

It has been the talk of the town for the past few days, so we turn our attention to the problem of driver weights. On this show, we discuss ditching the water supply, the merits of being short and what could force the FIA's hand. The lighter side of F1 has been an issue for a while, but has kicked off this week thanks to Adrian Sutil.

With three emails to lead us through our topics, we take a closer look at recent feedback to Sidepodcast. On this show, we discuss the engine sound in person, predicting great things for Kvyat, and your homework for the week. We hear what it was like on the ground in Melbourne and that reaction to the new power unit sounds continues.

Our aim in this episode was to compare our assumptions going into the Australian Grand Prix with what actually occurred. Along the way that encompasses the sound of silence, who lost their cool under pressure and Melbourne's magic number.